A review of the world sheepmeat market: North America, Japan and the Middle East

Abstract

This paper reviews the sheepmeat markets
in three importing regions (North America, Japan
and the Middle East) over the period 1960-80. These
regions form so called 'development' markets for
N.Z. sheepmeat exports as much of N.Z.'s traditional
trade with the U.K. is being diversified into them.
The U.S.A. has a large number of sheep but
its production has declined markedly; consumption
has followed a similar trend and per capita consumption
of sheepmeats is very low. Imports are currently well
below levels in the mid 1960's but considerable
potential exists for future expansion in the import
market.
Canada's sheepmeat market is of relatively
minor importance but it has characteristics similar
to those of the U.S.A. Imports have been quite
substantial at times, though have declined recently. In
both countries, N.Z. is now the main import supplier.
A large and possibly expanding import market
exists in Japan for sheepmeat but up until now
it has been an erratic purchaser, especially in the
mutton market. Changes in consumption are directly
transmitted to exports as there is no domestic
production. Promotion is needed to expand the
market. Imports consist largely of mutton for manufacturing
and Australia and N.Z. are the two main
suppliers. However, it is possible that N.Z. could
capture the growing market for lamb with Australia
continuing to supply the mutton market.
Finally the Middle East market has developed
rapidly since the oil price rise in 1973/74. The main markets are Iran and
Iraq while Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other states also
provide lucrative markets. Although it is planned to
increase production in the Middle East, the potential
for doing so is limited and domestic supply is unlikely
to be able to satisfy increasing demand. The outlook
is for continued expansion in imports therefore,
though the market has a high potential risk due to
political instability in the region.... [Show full abstract]